Balmain legend Garry Jack has slammed three Tigers recruits and took aim at the Wests Tigers’ administration in a scathing attack.
Jack played 224 games for Balmain and joined a chorus of critics who are disappointed with the club’s early season performances, currently sitting 17th on the ladder.
Speaking to The Daily Telegraph, Jack delivered a tirade at off-season signings David Klemmer, Apisai Koroisau and Isaiah Papali’i.
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“As big Kerry Hemsley (former Balmain prop) would say, as far as David Klemmer was concerned, he couldn’t knock the skin off a rice custard,” Jack said to News Corp.
“As for Papali’i, he’s not half the player he was at Parramatta last year.
“John Bateman, they have him on a four-year deal, he was obviously injured when he came over here. He’s not right.
“They are the key signings. As is Api Koroisau. Api Koroisau looks like he doesn’t want to be there. His body language… he’s gone from the premiers to wooden spooners. He looks frustrated and he just can’t inspire them.”
The 62-year-old, who has played 22 Tests for Australia, also explained it is going to be a tough period ahead with the Tigers scheduled to face several premiership heavyweights.
“When they (Wests Tigers) looked at the draw, they would have thought over the first five rounds they have the Titans, Knights and Bulldogs. They’d have thought they’d get a couple of wins to take a bit of pressure off,” Jack said.
“But it’s zero and five and what concerns me is that over the next 11 rounds, they have eight of the top eight teams from last year. I think it will get a whole lot worse before it gets better for the Tigers.”
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The Tigers host the Parramatta Eels in the Easter Monday clash at Accor Stadium.
Tim Sheens has reshuffled their spine with Adam Doueihi back at five-eighth and Charlie Staines getting his first start at fullback for his new club.
Asu Kepaoa has been named on the wing but could share time with centre Starford To’a throughout the game.
For the Eels Shaun Lane returns from a broken jaw in the second row, with Ryan Matterson switching to lock and J’maine Hopgood shifting to the bench.
Haze Dunster comes in on the wing for Bailey Simonsson (suspended) while Sean Russell replaces Waqa Blake in the centres.
The battle of the two last placed teams is going to be crucial for the Tigers and Eels to keep in touch with the top eight.
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